JJ Harmse
Pretoria – De Wet Barry was in the last Stormers team that made the semi-finals of Super rugby in 2004 and therefore knows how they feel with another chance beckoning.
However, he will not do his former team-mates any favours and rather wants to reward the Bulls for the confidence they invested in him for this game.
Barry was included in the Bulls squad out of the blue for Saturday’s match against the Capetonians at Newlands. He received the call on Sunday night.
“I was pleasantly surprised to get the call,” Barry admitted.
“I wondered on Saturday whether the Bulls would be resting players, but never thought I would get the chance as a result.”
The veteran centre, who plays for Eastern Province these days, was part of the Bulls’ squad this year, but did not make the final cut. He now wants to use his opportunity.
“It’s a great opportunity for me. I worked with the guys earlier this year, so it wasn’t difficult to slot in. Irrespective of the circumstances, I’m getting the opportunity now and that’s fantastic.”
He has big plans for the game and cannot wait to cross swords with the Stormers centres.
Juan de Jongh and Jaque Fourie are both current Springboks.
Barry, who was once the country’s most experienced inside centre, would like to measure himself against them.
“It will be a nice challenge. They are in good form and it will be a nice opportunity to test myself against them. I respect them. Juan has done really well to progress so fast. Fortunately I know how he steps and will close down the inside,” said Barry.
“I don’t expect any negativity from the Stormers and the crowd. It’s a professional era and players go where they get opportunities. Nobody else wanted me, so I’m happy to be able to play for the Bulls at Newlands.”
He believes the Bulls can win, provided they do what has worked until now.
“The pressure is definitely on them. It’s going to be a massive game.”
Possible Bulls team:
Tiger Mangweni, Deon Helberg, Stephan Dippenaar, De Wet Barry, Jaco van der Westhuyzen, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Heini Adams, Danie Rossouw, Pedrie Wannenburg, Derick Kuün, Flip van der Merwe, Bakkies Botha, Bees Roux, Bandise Maku, Jaco Engels.
Substitutes: Chiliboy Ralepelle, Dean Greyling, Gerrit-Jan van Velze, Okkie Kruger, Ruan Snyman, Francois Brummer, Stefan Watermeyer.
Pretoria – De Wet Barry was in the last Stormers team that made the semi-finals of Super rugby in 2004 and therefore knows how they feel with another chance beckoning.
However, he will not do his former team-mates any favours and rather wants to reward the Bulls for the confidence they invested in him for this game.
Barry was included in the Bulls squad out of the blue for Saturday’s match against the Capetonians at Newlands. He received the call on Sunday night.
“I was pleasantly surprised to get the call,” Barry admitted.
“I wondered on Saturday whether the Bulls would be resting players, but never thought I would get the chance as a result.”
The veteran centre, who plays for Eastern Province these days, was part of the Bulls’ squad this year, but did not make the final cut. He now wants to use his opportunity.
“It’s a great opportunity for me. I worked with the guys earlier this year, so it wasn’t difficult to slot in. Irrespective of the circumstances, I’m getting the opportunity now and that’s fantastic.”
He has big plans for the game and cannot wait to cross swords with the Stormers centres.
Juan de Jongh and Jaque Fourie are both current Springboks.
Barry, who was once the country’s most experienced inside centre, would like to measure himself against them.
“It will be a nice challenge. They are in good form and it will be a nice opportunity to test myself against them. I respect them. Juan has done really well to progress so fast. Fortunately I know how he steps and will close down the inside,” said Barry.
“I don’t expect any negativity from the Stormers and the crowd. It’s a professional era and players go where they get opportunities. Nobody else wanted me, so I’m happy to be able to play for the Bulls at Newlands.”
He believes the Bulls can win, provided they do what has worked until now.
“The pressure is definitely on them. It’s going to be a massive game.”
Possible Bulls team:
Tiger Mangweni, Deon Helberg, Stephan Dippenaar, De Wet Barry, Jaco van der Westhuyzen, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Heini Adams, Danie Rossouw, Pedrie Wannenburg, Derick Kuün, Flip van der Merwe, Bakkies Botha, Bees Roux, Bandise Maku, Jaco Engels.
Substitutes: Chiliboy Ralepelle, Dean Greyling, Gerrit-Jan van Velze, Okkie Kruger, Ruan Snyman, Francois Brummer, Stefan Watermeyer.